MONROVIA — The President of the All Africa Students Union (AASU), the continental organization founded in 1972 to champion the interests of African students, Mr. Varney Alieu Jersey, opened his presidential office in Monrovia, the capital city of the first independent state in Africa. The president used the occasion to strongly urge African leaders and volunteers across the continent to redirect their advocacy to important policy reforms, stating that education and individual empowerment hold the key to unlocking Africa’s full potential.
Mr. Jarsey, delivering his presidential message and outlining his strategic work plan and agenda for 2024 during the official opening of his office in Monrovia, Liberia, highlighted the strategic work plans of the institution focusing on the following: AASU Executive Committee Meeting, Revitalization of the West Africa Student Union, Formation of the Mano River Student Union, Female Mentorship and Leadership Program, Professional Skills and Digital Education, Climate and Environment Initiative, Anti-Drug Initiatives, and Study Abroad Initiative. Mr. Jarsey also used the occasion to rally the fullest support of all stakeholders, participants, and members in attendance to ensure that these programs are achieved for the benefit of young people in Liberia and Africa.
“To sustain and consolidate our gains over the years, I urge all members and stakeholders to take bold action in their communities, from volunteering to advocating for important policy reforms. Every effort counts, and together we can make a real difference in the lives of millions,” he noted. The young Liberian scholar further indicated, “At the heart of our work lies the belief that education and individual empowerment hold the key to unlocking Africa’s full potential. Our empowered African Students are our greatest asset, and we must use all our talents and resources to create a strong, and more sustainable future for all.”
On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the President of the All Africa Students Union (AASU), scholar Varney Alieu Jarsey officially opened his office in Monrovia. The AASU official presidential office, which had been brought to Liberia, is situated on the 1st floor, Bright Building, around the diplomatic enclave of the U.S. Embassy, Mamba Point. Mr. Jarsey was declared the winner by the Electoral Commission of AASU and sworn in after defeating his rival, Osisiogu Osikenyi Igwe of Nigeria. His more comprehensive and feasible agenda won him the admiration of over 36 member unions of AASU.
The Liberian national was elected President of AASU on December 20-22, 2021, at its 13th Elective Congress held in Kibi, Ghana. The tedious congress was attended by 38 countries in Africa, with 19 in attendance physically while the rest joined online. Varney is an astute student leader and a committed freedom fighter who has continuously championed the interests of youths and students in Liberia and the African continent. Varney is the former President of the Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU) and the immediate past Vice President of the West African Region of the AASU. In his position as Vice President of the West African Region of the AASU, he led the ASYS Planning Committee which organized AASU’s highly successful 7th Africa Students and Youth Summit between July 24th and 28th, 2018, in Kigali, Rwanda.
The official opening ceremony was graced by several diplomats including South Africa Ambassador to Liberia, H.E Iqbal M.I.D. Jhazbhay, representative of the British Embassy, Monrovia, representative of the Ghanaian Embassy, Monrovia, Human Rights Lawyer, Cllr. Tiawon Saye Gongloe, Cllr. Arthur Johnson, former PPCC boss, Atty. Roseline Kowo amongst others.
Further disclosing his plan for 2024, Mr. Jarsey announced that his official will provide mentorship empowerment for African students, Anti-drugs campaign, Study Abroad assistance, and partnership and importantly, girls’ mentorship for future leadership.
For his part, South Africa Ambassador to Liberia, H.E Iqbal M.I.D. Jhazbhay, extolled Mr. Jarsey for the launch of the AASU, committing that they will work with the organization in any way possible to provide empowerment assistance. According to him, the future of Africa is in the hands of Africans, particularly those who are empowered and trained to manage the economic, social, and political sphere of the continent and provide good leadership and governance that show respect for democracy and human dignity.
Finally, a representative of the British Embassy to Liberia, Cllr. Arthur Johnson, Atty. Roseline Kowo, Cllr. Gongloe, and a host of several other youth and student organizations, in separate remarks, pledged their commitment to supporting the leadership of Mr. Jarsey and appreciated the AASU leader for his invaluable service to the young people of Liberia and Africa.